Bermuda residents from all backgrounds are invited to join in a block party to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the first Portuguese immigrants.Paul Franco, the president of the Vasco da Gama Club, said the event was designed to demonstrate how Portuguese people had integrated into the island’s community.It came as the government announced a string of events to mark the occasion on and around the public holiday on November 4.Mr Franco said: “In our view, the holiday does not belong to any one group or community — it was given by the government for everyone.“With this objective in mind, we are aiming to put on a programme at the block party that shows how the Portuguese have integrated into the broader Bermuda family.“We encourage everyone to come out for this fun family evening.“Come out and celebrate this important milestone and the first time that a diaspora Portuguese community has been recognised around the world with its own public holiday.”Vasco Cordeiro, the president of the Azores government, is to visit Bermuda as part of the celebrations, which will run from November 2 to 5.The schedule of activities includes a gala dinner at CedarBridge Academy, a special Mass at St Theresa’s Cathedral in Pembroke, and a tree-planting as well as the unveiling of a plaque at the Botanical Gardens.The Most Reverend Wesley Spiewak, the Catholic Bishop of Hamilton, said: “The Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda welcomes with great joy the decision made by the Bermuda Government to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the first Portuguese immigrants to Bermuda.“It is to be emphasised that their coming to Bermuda coincides evidently with the beginning of the presence of the Catholic Church in Bermuda.“In fact, since their arrival on the island, the Portuguese have played and still play an important role in the life of the Catholic community.“There is no doubt that Portuguese devotion, culture and tradition have left a significant and indelible mark on Catholicism in Bermuda.“I am very pleased that the organisers of the commemoration events requested to have some religious expressions to be a part of the anniversary celebrations.“This perfectly reflects the spirit of the first Portuguese immigrants to Bermuda who brought with them a passion for hard work, a love for their culture and a devotion to their faith.”Eugene Lima and Lucia Botelho, both members of the 170 Celebrations Committee, said it was “an honour” to be part of the planning.Ms Botelho, who is vice-president of the House of the Azores in Bermuda, added that she was delighted that Mr Cordeiro and David Burt, the Premier, will inaugurate the charity on November 4.She said: “It will be a dream come true for our charity and we thank the Bermuda Government for all their assistance.“I really hope that everyone will come and join us for the gala dinner since it is going to be a significant and entertaining evening.“Let’s all celebrate this special event as one community.”